Vessel sealing instrument with multiple electrode configurations

ABSTRACT

An electrode assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting vessels and/or tissue is provided. The assembly includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members. Each jaw member includes at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces extending along a length thereof. Each tissue sealing surface is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy to effect a tissue seal. An insulator is disposed adjacent to the at least one the electrically conductive sealing surfaces. The jaw members include an electrically conductive cutting element which effectively cuts tissue within pre-defined cutting zone between the jaw members. The polarity of the cutting element and electrically conductive sealing surfaces may be manipulated depending upon whether tissue sealing or tissue cutting is desired.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a forceps used for both endoscopic and open surgical procedures that includes an electrode assembly that allows a user to selectively seal and/or cut tissue. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a forceps that applies a unique combination of mechanical clamping pressure and electrosurgical energy to effectively seal and sever tissue between sealed tissue areas.

BACKGROUND

Open or endoscopic electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping action and electrical energy to effect hemostasis. The electrode of each opposing jaw member is charged to a different electric potential such that when the jaw members grasp tissue, electrical energy can be selectively transferred through the tissue. A surgeon can either cauterize, coagulate/desiccate and/or simply reduce or slow bleeding, by controlling the intensity, frequency and duration of the electrosurgical energy applied between the electrodes and through the tissue.

Certain surgical procedures require more than simply cauterizing tissue and rely on the combination of clamping pressure, electrosurgical energy and gap distance to “seal” tissue, vessels and certain vascular bundles. More particularly, vessel sealing or tissue sealing is a recently-developed technology that utilizes a unique combination of radiofrequency energy, clamping pressure and precise control of gap distance (i.e., distance between opposing jaw members when closed about tissue) to effectively seal or fuse tissue between two opposing jaw members or sealing plates. Vessel or tissue sealing is more than “cauterization”, which involves the use of heat to destroy tissue (also called “diathermy” or “electrodiathermy”). Vessel sealing is also more than “coagulation”, which is the process of desiccating tissue wherein the tissue cells are ruptured and dried. “Vessel sealing” is defined as the process of liquefying the collagen, elastin and ground substances in the tissue so that the tissue reforms into a fused mass with significantly-reduced demarcation between the opposing tissue structures.

To effectively seal tissue or vessels, especially thick tissue and large vessels, two predominant mechanical parameters must be accurately controlled: 1) the pressure applied to the vessel; and 2) the gap distance between the conductive tissue contacting surfaces (electrodes). Both of these parameters are affected by the thickness of the vessel or tissue being sealed. Accurate application of pressure is important for several reasons: to oppose the walls of the vessel; to reduce the tissue impedance to a low enough value that allows enough electrosurgical energy through the tissue; to overcome the forces of expansion during tissue heating; and to contribute to the end tissue thickness, which is an indication of a good seal. It has been determined that a typical fused vessel wall is optimum between about 0.001 and about 0.006 inches. Below this range, the seal may shred or tear and above this range the tissue may not be properly or effectively sealed.

With respect to smaller vessels, the pressure applied becomes less relevant and the gap distance between the electrically conductive surfaces becomes more significant for effective sealing. In other words, the chances of the two electrically conductive surfaces touching during activation increases as the tissue thickness and the vessels become smaller.

Typically, and particularly with respect to endoscopic electrosurgical procedures, once a vessel is sealed, the surgeon has to remove the sealing instrument from the operative site, substitute a new instrument through the cannula and accurately sever the vessel along the newly formed tissue seal. This additional step may be both time consuming (particularly when sealing a significant number of vessels) and may contribute to imprecise separation of the tissue along the sealing line due to the misalignment or misplacement of the severing instrument along the center of the tissue seal.

Several attempts have been made to design an instrument that incorporates a knife or blade member that effectively severs the tissue after forming a tissue seal. For example, commonly-owned U.S. application Ser. Nos. 10/472,295, 10/460,942 and 10/991,157 all disclose instruments that include a mechanical cutting mechanism for selectively cutting tissue along a tissue seal. These instruments have enjoyed great success in the operating field.

Sealing and electrically cutting on the same instrument is a recently developed technology that provides different advantages over mechanically cutting tissue. However, electrical cutting of tissue has proven difficult for manufacturing due to the dimensions between electrodes being relatively small. The electrodes may produce heat formation and electrical charging during the seal cycle that detrimentally affects the cut performance. This may manifest itself by damaging tissue within the cut zone and minimizing hydration by forcing conductive fluids from the cut area.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to an electrode assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting vessels and/or tissue. In one embodiment the assembly includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members at least one of which being movable relative to the other from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween.

Each jaw member includes at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surface extending along a length thereof. Each tissue sealing surface is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the tissue sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. An insulator is included which is disposed adjacent to the at least one electrically conductive sealing surfaces.

The first jaw member includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within the insulator of the first jaw member, the electrically conductive cutting element disposed in general vertical registration to the insulator on the second jaw member to define at least one cutting zone between the electrically conductive tissue sealing surface(s) and the cutting element.

The cutting element and the pair of spaced apart electrically conductive sealing surfaces on the first jaw member are energized to a first potential during a sealing process and the electrically conductive sealing surface(s) on the first jaw member are energized to a different potential from the corresponding electrically conductive sealing surface(s) on the second jaw member such that electrosurgical energy can be transferred through the tissue to effect a tissue seal.

The cutting element is configured to maintain the same potential during a cutting stage. The electrically conductive sealing surface(s) on the first jaw member and the corresponding electrically conductive sealing surface(s) on the second jaw member are energized to a different potential than the cutting element such that electrosurgical energy can be transferred through the tissue to effect a tissue cut.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes an electrode assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting vessels and/or tissue. The assembly includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members at least one of which is movable relative to the other from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween.

Each jaw member includes at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surface extending along a length thereof. Each tissue sealing surface is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the tissue sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. An insulator is included which is disposed adjacent to the electrically conductive sealing surface(s).

The first jaw member includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within the insulator of the first jaw member. The electrically conductive cutting element is disposed in general vertical registration to the insulator on the second jaw member defining at least one cutting zone between the electrically conductive tissue sealing surface(s) and the cutting element.

The electrically conductive tissue sealing surface(s) includes at least one sealing section operatively connected to at least one flange. The flange(s) is configured to control a gap distance between the opposing electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces. The insulator is dimensioned to reduce stray currents and heat dissipation inwardly towards the cutting zone(s).

An insulator may be included having a first portion which extends between the flange(s) and the electrically conductive cutting element(s) to a point in general horizontal registration with the electrically conductive sealing surface(s).

The first jaw member may include an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within the insulator of the first jaw member. The electrically conductive cutting element may be disposed in general vertical registration to the insulator on the second jaw member to define a cutting zone between the electrically conductive tissue sealing surface and the cutting element.

The electrically conductive tissue sealing surface may includes at least one sealing section operatively connected to a corresponding flange(s). The flange(s) extends from an inner leg of the sealing section and is configured to control a gap distance between the electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces.

The cutting element and the pair of spaced apart electrically conductive sealing surfaces on the first jaw member are energized to a first potential during a sealing process. During sealing, the electrically conductive sealing surface(s) on the first jaw member are energized to a different potential from the corresponding electrically conductive sealing surface(s) on the second jaw member such that electrosurgical energy can be transferred through the tissue to effect a tissue seal.

During cutting, the cutting element is configured to maintain the same potential during the cutting stage and the electrically conductive sealing surface(s) on the first jaw member and the corresponding electrically conductive sealing surface(s) on the second jaw member are energized to a different potential than the cutting element such that electrosurgical energy can be transferred through the tissue to effect a tissue cut.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the subject instrument are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A shows a right, perspective view of an endoscopic bipolar forceps having a housing, a shaft and a pair of jaw members affixed to a distal end thereof, the jaw members including an electrode assembly disposed therebetween;

FIG. 1B shows a left, perspective view of an open bipolar forceps showing a pair of first and second shafts each having a jaw member affixed to a distal end thereof with an electrode assembly disposed therebetween;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a vessel sealing instrument showing one embodiment of a cut zone configuration;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a vessel sealing instrument of the present disclosure having one cut zone;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of electrodes arranged in a particular seal configuration;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of electrodes arranged in a particular seal configuration;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the cut zone configuration of the vessel sealing instrument according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the cut zone configuration of the vessel sealing instrument of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes herein, vessel/tissue cutting or vessel/tissue division is believed to occur when heating of the vessel/tissue leads to expansion of intracellular and/or extra-cellular fluid, which may be accompanied by cellular vaporization, desiccation, fragmentation, collapse and/or shrinkage along a so-called “cut zone” in the vessel/tissue. By focusing the electrosurgical energy and heating in the cut zone, the cellular reactions are localized creating a fissure. Localization is achieved by regulating the vessel/tissue condition and energy delivery, which may be controlled by utilizing one or more of the various geometrical electrode and insulator configurations described herein. The cut process may also be controlled by utilizing a generator and feedback algorithm (and one or more of the hereindescribed geometrical configurations of the electrode and insulator assemblies), which increases the localization and maximizes the so-called “cutting effect”.

For example, the below-described factors may contribute and/or enhance vessel/tissue division using electrosurgical energy. Each of the factors described below may be employed individually or in any combination to achieve a desired cutting effect. For the purposes herein the term “cut effect” or “cutting effect” refers to the actual division of tissue by one or more of the electrical or electro-mechanical methods or mechanisms described below. The term “cutting zone” or “cut zone” refers to the region of vessel/tissue where cutting will take place. The term “cutting process” refers to steps that are implemented before, during and/or after vessel/tissue division that tend to influence the vessel/tissue as part of achieving the cut effect.

For the purposes herein the terms “tissue” and “vessel” may be used interchangeably since it is believed that the present disclosure may be employed to seal and cut tissue or seal and cut vessels utilizing the same inventive principles described herein.

It is believed that the following factors either alone or in combination, play an important role in dividing tissue:

-   -   Localizing or focusing electrosurgical energy in the cut zone         during the cutting process while minimizing energy effects to         surrounding tissues;     -   Focusing the power density in the cut zone during the cutting         process;     -   Creating an area of increased temperature in the cut zone during         the cutting process (e.g., heating that occurs within the tissue         or heating the tissue directly with a heat source);     -   Pulsing the energy delivery to influence the tissue in or around         the cut zone. “Pulsing” involves as a combination of an “on”         time and “off” time during which the energy is applied and then         removed repeatedly at any number of intervals for any amount of         time. The pulse “on” and “off” time may vary between pulses. The         pulse “on” typically refers to a state of higher power delivery         and pulse “off” typically refers to a state of lower power         delivery;     -   Spiking the energy delivery creates a momentary condition of         high energy application with an intent to influence the tissue         in or around the cut zone during the cut process. The momentary         condition may be varied to create periods of high energy         application;     -   Conditioning the tissue before or during the cutting process to         create more favorable tissue conditions for cutting. This         includes tissue pre-heating before the cutting processes and         tissue rehydration during the cutting process;     -   Controlling the tissue volume in or around the cut zone to         create more favorable conditions for tissue cutting;     -   Controlling energy and power delivery to allow vaporization to         enhance and or contribute to the cutting process. For example,         controlling the energy delivery to vaporize both intracellular         and/or extracellular fluids and/or other cellular materials and         foreign fluids within the cut zone;     -   Fragmenting the tissue or cellular material during the cutting         process to enhance tissue division in the cut zone;     -   Melting or collapsing the tissue or cellular material during the         cutting process to enhance tissue division in the cut zone. For         example, melting the tissue to create internal stress within the         tissue to induce tissue tearing;     -   Controlling tissue temperature, arcing, power density and/or         current density during the cutting process to enhance tissue         division in the cut zone;     -   Applying various mechanical elements to the tissue such as         pressure, tension and/or stress (either internally or         externally) to enhance the cutting process; and     -   Utilizing various other tissue treatments before or during the         cutting process to enhance tissue cutting, e.g., tissue sealing,         cauterization and/or coagulation.

Many of the electrode assemblies described herein employ one or more of the above-identified factors for enhancing tissue division. For example, many of the electrode assemblies described herein utilize various geometrical configurations of electrodes, cutting elements, insulators, partially conductive materials and semiconductors to produce or enhance the cutting effect. In addition, by controlling or regulating the electrosurgical energy from the generator in any of the ways described above, tissue cutting may be initiated, enhanced or facilitated within the tissue cutting zone. For example, it is believed that the geometrical configuration of the electrodes and insulators may be configured to produce a so-called “cut effect”, which may be directly related to the amount of vaporization or fragmentation at a point in the tissue or the power density, temperature density and/or mechanical stress applied to a point in the tissue. The geometry of the electrodes may be configured such that the surface area ratios between the electrical poles focus electrical energy at the tissue. Moreover, the geometrical configurations of the electrodes and insulators may be designed such that they act like electrical sinks or insulators to influence the heat effect within and around the tissue during the sealing or cutting processes.

Referring now to the various figures, FIG. 1A depicts a bipolar forceps 10 for use in connection with endoscopic surgical procedures and FIG. 1B depicts an open forceps 100 contemplated for use in connection with traditional open surgical procedures. For the purposes herein, either an endoscopic instrument or an open instrument may be utilized with the electrode assembly described herein. Obviously, different electrical and mechanical connections and considerations apply to each particular type of instrument, however, the novel aspects with respect to the electrode assembly and its operating characteristics remain generally consistent with respect to both the open or endoscopic designs.

FIG. 1A shows a bipolar forceps 10 for use with various endoscopic surgical procedures and generally includes a housing 20, a handle assembly 30, a rotating assembly 80, a switch assembly 70 and an electrode assembly 105 having opposing jaw members 110 and 120 which mutually cooperate to grasp, seal and divide tubular vessels and vascular tissue. More particularly, forceps 10 includes a shaft 12 which has a distal end 16 dimensioned to mechanically engage the electrode assembly 105 and a proximal end 14 which mechanically engages the housing 20. The shaft 12 may include one or more known mechanically engaging components which are designed to securely receive and engage the electrode assembly 105 such that the jaw members 110 and 120 are pivotable relative to one another to engage and grasp tissue therebetween.

The proximal end 14 of shaft 12 mechanically engages the rotating assembly 80 (not shown) to facilitate rotation of the electrode assembly 105. In the drawings and in the descriptions which follow, the term “proximal”, as is traditional, will refer to the end of the forceps 10 which is closer to the user, while the term “distal” will refer to the end which is further from the user. Details relating to the mechanically cooperating components of the shaft 12 and the rotating assembly 80 are described in commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/460,926 entitled “VESSEL SEALER AND DIVIDER FOR USE WITH SMALL TROCARS AND CANNULAS” filed on Jun. 13, 2003 the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Handle assembly 30 includes a fixed handle 50 and a movable handle 40. Fixed handle 50 is integrally associated with housing 20 and handle 40 is movable relative to fixed handle 50 to actuate the opposing jaw members 110 and 120 of the electrode assembly 105 as explained in more detail below. Movable handle 40 and switch assembly 70 are of unitary construction and are operatively connected to the housing 20 and the fixed handle 50 during the assembly process. Housing 20 is constructed from two components halves 20 a and 20 b which are assembled about the proximal end of shaft 12 during assembly. Switch assembly is configured to selectively provide electrical energy to the electrode assembly 105.

As mentioned above, electrode assembly 105 is attached to the distal end 16 of shaft 12 and includes the opposing jaw members 110 and 120. Movable handle 40 of handle assembly 30 imparts movement of the jaw members 110 and 120 from an open position wherein the jaw members 110 and 120 are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another, to a clamping or closed position wherein the jaw members 110 and 120 cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween.

Referring now to FIGS. 1B, an open forceps 100 includes a pair of elongated shaft portions 112 a and 112 b each having a proximal end 114 a and 114 b, respectively, and a distal end 116 a and 116 b, respectively. The forceps 100 includes jaw members 120 and 110 which attach to distal ends 116 a and 116 b of shafts 112 a and 112 b, respectively. The jaw members 110 and 120 are connected about pivot pin 119 which allows the jaw members 110 and 120 to pivot relative to one another from the first to second positions for treating tissue. The electrode assembly 105 is connected to opposing jaw members 110 and 120 and may include electrical connections through or around the pivot pin 119. Examples of various electrical connections to the jaw members are shown in commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/474,170, 10/116,824, 10/284,562 10/472,295, 10/116,944, 10/179,863 and 10/369,894, the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Each shaft 112 a and 112 b includes a handle 117 a and 117 b disposed at the proximal end 114 a and 114 b thereof which each define a finger hole 118 a and 118 b, respectively, therethrough for receiving a finger of the user. As can be appreciated, finger holes 118 a and 118 b facilitate movement of the shafts 112 a and 112 b relative to one another which, in turn, pivot the jaw members 110 and 120 from the open position wherein the jaw members 110 and 120 are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to the clamping or closed position wherein the jaw members 110 and 120 cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A ratchet 130 is included for selectively locking the jaw members 110 and 120 relative to one another at various positions during pivoting.

More particularly, the ratchet 130 includes a first mechanical interface 130 a associated with shaft 112 a and a second mating mechanical interface associated with shaft 112 b. Each position associated with the cooperating ratchet interfaces 130 a and 130 b holds a specific, i.e., constant, strain energy in the shaft members 112 a and 112 b which, in turn, transmits a specific closing force to the jaw members 110 and 120. It is envisioned that the ratchet 130 may include graduations or other visual markings which enable the user to easily and quickly ascertain and control the amount of closure force desired between the jaw members 110 and 120.

As best seen in FIG. 1B, forceps 100 also includes an electrical interface or plug 200 which connects the forceps 100 to a source of electrosurgical energy, e.g., an electrosurgical generator (not shown). Plug 200 includes at least two prong members 202 a and 202 b which are dimensioned to mechanically and electrically connect the forceps 100 to the electrosurgical generator 500 (See FIG. 1A). An electrical cable 211 extends from the plug 200 and securely connects the cable 211 to the forceps 100. Cable 211 is internally divided within the shaft 112 b to transmit electrosurgical energy through various electrical feed paths to the electrode assembly 105.

One of the shafts, e.g., 112 b, includes a proximal shaft connector/flange 119 which is designed to connect the forceps 100 to a source of electrosurgical energy such as an electrosurgical generator 500. More particularly, flange 119 mechanically secures electrosurgical cable 211 to the forceps 100 such that the user may selectively apply electrosurgical energy as needed.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an electrode assembly 205 for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting vessels and/or tissue is shown. FIG. 2 discloses a pair of opposing first 210 and second 220 jaw members at least one of which is movable. The jaw members 210, 220 are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another and cooperate to grasp tissue.

Each jaw member 210, 220 includes at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces 212 a, 212 b, 222 a, 222 b extending along a length of the jaw member 210, 220. Each tissue sealing surface 212 a, 212 b, 222 a, 222 b is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy (e.g. an electrosurgical generator) such that the tissue sealing surfaces 212 a, 212 b, 222 a, 222 b are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal.

An insulator 213, 223 is disposed adjacent to electrically conductive sealing surfaces 212 a, 212 b, 222 a, 222 b. The insulator or insulative material may be of any suitable composition. Some possible insulators include, but are not limited to, glass, polymeric, and ceramic materials. An additional insulator (not shown) may be included to further isolate the sealing heat from influencing (e.g., minimize the propagation of heat) during the sealing process.

First jaw member 210 includes an electrically conductive cutting element 227 disposed within the insulator 213 of the first jaw member 210. The electrically conductive cutting element 227 is disposed in general vertical registration to the insulator 223 on the second jaw member 220. Sealing plates 212 a and 212 b of jaw member 210 are both configured to include a U-shaped sealing section 212 a′ and 212 b′, respectively, which contacts the tissue for sealing purposes and are both also configured to include an L-shaped flange portion 215 a and 215 b, respectively, which each extend from a respective inner leg 212 a″ and 212 b″ of the U-shaped sealing sections 212 a′ and 212 b′. Flange portions 215 a and 215 b are dimensioned to extend beyond the U-shaped sealing sections 212 a′ and 212 b′ of jaw member 210 towards jaw member 220. The parallel flange sections 215 a′ and 215 b′ may be dimensioned to control the gap distance between sealing surfaces 212 a, 222 a and 212 b, 222 b, respectively, during the sealing process to within a range of about 0.001 inches to about 0.006 inches. The arrangement of flange portions 215 a and 215 b and cutting electrode 227 define a cutting zone 228 disposed inwardly of flange portions 215 a and 215 b.

Interposed between each respective flange portion 215 a and 215 b and inner leg portion 212 a″ and 212 b″ is an insulative material 240 a and 240 b, respectively. The insulative materials 240 a and 240 b are dimensioned to have profiles designed to reduce stray currents and heat dissipation inwardly towards the cutting zone 228 during the sealing process.

Electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces 212 a, 212 b of jaw member 210 may extend towards jaw member 220 as shown in FIG. 2. This creates a design that is symmetrical about the cutting element 227. This isolates the cut zone 228 with a high impedance pinch point. Although a symmetrical design is depicted, alternate designs may be implemented as will be discussed hereinafter.

Cutting element 227 and the pair of spaced apart electrically conductive sealing surfaces 212 a, 212 b on the first jaw member 210 may be energized to the same potential during a sealing process and electrically conductive sealing surfaces 212 a, 212 b on the first jaw member 210 are energized to a different potential from the corresponding electrically conductive sealing surfaces 222 a, 222 b on the second jaw member 220 such that electrosurgical energy can be transferred through the tissue to effect a tissue seal. This arrangement eliminates charging of the cutting element 227 by maintaining the same potential between cutting element 227 and the at least one electrically conductive sealing surfaces 212 a, 212 b on the first jaw member 210.

During cutting, cutting element 227 maintains the same potential during a cutting process; however, electrically conductive sealing surfaces 212 a, 212 b on the first jaw member 210 and the corresponding at least one electrically conductive sealing surfaces 222 a, 222 b on the second jaw member 220 are energized to a different potential than the cutting element 227 such that electrosurgical energy can be transferred through the tissue to effect a tissue cut.

Using this configuration, only electrically conductive sealing surfaces 212 a, 212 b on the first jaw member 210 need to switch polarity to go from sealing to cutting. Moreover, this design may also isolate the cut zone 228 from the seal leaving less effected tissue for the cutting cycle.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternate embodiment of the vessel sealing instrument of the present disclosure having one isolated cut zone 328 is shown. In this embodiment one of the isolated cut zones of FIG. 2 has been removed in order to reduce space. Sealing plates 312 a of jaw member 310 is configured to include a U-shaped sealing section 312 a′, which contacts the tissue for sealing purposes, and is also configured to include an L-shaped flange portion 315, which extends from a respective inner leg 312 a″ of the U-shaped sealing section 312 a′. Sealing plate 322 a, 312 b and 322 b are all generally U-shaped. Flange portion 315 a is dimensioned to extend beyond the U-shaped sealing section 312 a′ of jaw member 310 towards jaw member 320. Like the flange portions 215 a and 215 b above, flange portion 315 may be dimensioned to control the gap distance between sealing surface during the sealing process. Flange 315 and the cutting electrode 327 define a cutting zone 328 disposed therebetween.

Interposed between flange portion 315 a and inner leg portion 312 a″ of sealing plate 312 a is an insulative material 340. The insulative material 340 is dimensioned to have a profile designed to reduce stray currents and heat dissipation inwardly towards the cutting zone 328 during the sealing process. Insulator 313 also includes a first portion 313 a that extends between flange 315 and cutting element 327 to a point in general horizontal registration with the U-shaped portion 312 a′ of sealing plate 312 a. A second portion 313 b is interposed between cutting element 327 and sealing plate 312 b but is recessed with respect to sealing plate 312 b. Arranging the insulator 313 a in this fashion may enhance the cutting effect.

This design results in an isolated cut zone 328 and a non-isolated cutting zone 329. The polarization is the same as that in FIG. 2. This design does not eliminate the charge and heat influence during sealing; however, the dimensions of the instrument may be reduced by having one isolated cut zone 328.

The cutting and sealing processes may be automatically controlled by an electrosurgical energy source, such as an electrosurgical generator. Moreover, the potential of electrically conductive tissue sealing surface 312 of the first jaw member 310 and the potential of the cutting element 327 are independently activatable by the surgeon. A sensor (not shown) may be used for determining seal quality prior to cutting.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-7, alternate geometries of the seal configuration of an electrode assembly 405 of the present disclosure are described. FIG. 4 shows first and second jaw members 410, 420 including insulator or insulative material 413. Cutting element 427 is operatively connected to first jaw member 410. In this arrangement cutting element 427 is given a neutral polarity while sealing surfaces 412 a, 412 b are positive and sealing surfaces 422 a and 422 b are negative. The polarities of sealing surfaces 412 and 422 may be reversed as long as the cutting element 427 maintains a neutral polarity. During the cutting process the cutting electrode 427 is provided with an electrical potential and sealing surfaces 412 a, 412 b, 422 a and 422 b are provided with either the same, neutral or different potentials depending upon a particular purpose. Commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/932,612 discloses various electrical arrangements for sealing and cutting tissue with the sealing and cutting electrodes, the entire contents being incorporated herein.

FIG. 5 discloses an alternate embodiment of the seal configuration of an electrode assembly 505 having a second cutting element 537 operatively connected to the second jaw member 520 in vertical registration with cutting element 527. The second cutting element 537 may be polarized to the same potential as the cutting element 527. In this arrangement cutting elements 527, 537 are both given a neutral polarity while sealing surfaces 512 a, 512 b are positive and sealing surfaces 522 a and 522 b are negative. The polarities of sealing surfaces 512 and 522 may be reversed as long as the cutting elements 527, 537 maintain their neutral polarity.

FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment of the seal configuration of an electrode assembly 605 having one sealing surface 612 on the first jaw member 610 and one sealing surface 622 on the second jaw member 620. A cutting element 637 is shown disposed upon the second jaw member 620. Although cutting element 637 is shown on the second jaw member 620, it may be placed on the first jaw member 610 as well. In this arrangement cutting element 637 is given a neutral polarity while sealing surface 612 is positive and sealing surface 622 is negative. The polarities of sealing surfaces 612 and 622 may be reversed as long as the cutting element 637 maintains a neutral polarity. First jaw member 610 shows an insulator 613 having a generally rounded configuration that extends beyond the periphery of jaw member 620. Other suitable geometries are also envisioned.

FIG. 7 discloses an embodiment having cutting elements 727, 737 on both the first and second jaw members 710, 720. This embodiment also includes one sealing surface 712 on the first jaw member 710 and one sealing surface 722 on the second jaw member 720. In this arrangement cutting elements 727, 737 are both given a neutral polarity while sealing surface 712 is positive and sealing surface 722 is negative. The polarities of sealing surfaces 712 and 722 may be reversed as long as the cutting elements 727, 737 maintain their neutral polarity. In this arrangement, insulators 713 and 723 align in general vertical registration on the outside of cutting elements 727 and 737.

In the embodiments described herein the cutting element may be substantially dull and only capable of cutting tissue through electrosurgical activation. Moreover, the cutting element may be disposed within the insulator of the first or second jaw member. As mentioned hereinbefore the potential of the cutting element and the electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces may be altered depending upon a particular desired surgical effect.

As can be appreciated, the various geometrical configurations and electrical arrangements of the aforementioned electrode assemblies allow the surgeon to initially activate the two opposing electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces and seal the tissue and, subsequently, selectively and independently activate the cutting element and one or more tissue contacting surfaces to cut the tissue utilizing the various above-described and shown electrode assembly configurations. Hence, the tissue is initially sealed and thereafter cut without re-grasping the tissue.

However, the cutting element and one or more tissue contacting surfaces may also be activated to simply cut tissue/vessels without initially sealing. For example, the jaw members may be positioned about tissue and the cutting element may be selectively activated to separate or simply coagulate tissue. This type of alternative embodiment may be particularly useful during certain endoscopic procedures wherein an electrosurgical pencil is typically introduced to coagulate and/or dissect tissue during the operating procedure.

A switch 70 (FIG. 1A) may be employed to allow the surgeon to selectively activate one or more tissue contacting surfaces or the cutting element independently of one another. This allows the surgeon to initially seal tissue and then activate the cutting element by simply activating the switch. Rocker switches, toggle switches, flip switches, dials, etc. are types of switches that can be commonly employed to accomplish this purpose.

These switches can be placed anywhere on the instrument or may be configured as a remote switch, e.g., handswitch or footswitch. The switch may also cooperate with a smart sensor 501 (or smart circuit, computer, feedback loop, etc.) that automatically triggers the switch to change between the “sealing” mode and the “cutting” mode upon the satisfaction of a particular parameter. For example, the smart sensor may include a feedback loop that indicates when a tissue seal is complete based upon one or more of the following parameters: tissue temperature, tissue impedance at the seal, change in impedance of the tissue over time and/or changes in the power or current applied to the tissue over time. An audible or visual feedback monitor may be employed to convey information to the surgeon regarding the overall seal quality or the completion of an effective tissue seal. A separate lead may be connected between the smart sensor and the generator for visual and/or audible feedback purposes.

The generator 500 delivers energy to the tissue in a pulse-like waveform. It has been determined that delivering the energy in pulses increases the amount of sealing energy that can be effectively delivered to the tissue and reduces unwanted tissue effects, such as charring. Moreover, the feedback loop of the smart sensor can be configured to automatically measure various tissue parameters during sealing (i.e., tissue temperature, tissue impedance, current through the tissue) and automatically adjust the energy intensity and number of pulses as needed to reduce various tissue effects, such as charring and thermal spread.

It has also been determined that RF pulsing may be used to more effectively cut tissue. For example, an initial pulse from the cutting element through the tissue (or the tissue contacting surfaces through the tissue) may be delivered to provide feedback to the smart sensor for selection of the ideal number of subsequent pulses and subsequent pulse intensity to effectively and consistently cut the amount or type of tissue with minimal effect on the tissue seal. If the energy is not pulsed, the tissue may not initially cut but desiccate since tissue impedance remains high during the initial stages of cutting. By providing the energy in short pulses, it has been found that the tissue is more likely to cut.

Alternatively, a switch may be configured to activate based upon a desired cutting parameter and/or after an effective seal is created or has been verified. For example, after effectively sealing the tissue, the cutting element may be automatically activated based upon a desired end tissue thickness at the seal.

As mentioned in many of the above embodiments, upon compression of the tissue, the cutting element may act as a stop member and create a gap “G” between the opposing conductive tissue contacting surfaces. Particularly with respect to vessel sealing, the gap distance may be in the range of about 0.001 to about 0.006 inches. As mentioned above, the gap distance “G” and clamping pressure between conductive surfaces are two important mechanical parameters that need to be properly controlled to assure a consistent and effective tissue seal. The surgeon activates the generator to transmit electrosurgical energy to the tissue contacting surfaces and through the tissue to effect a seal. As a result of the unique combination of the clamping pressure, gap distance “G” and electrosurgical energy, the tissue collagen melts into a fused mass with limited demarcation between opposing vessel walls.

Once sealed, the surgeon activates the cutting element to cut the tissue. As mentioned above, the surgeon does not necessarily need to re-grasp the tissue to cut, i.e., the cutting element is already positioned proximate the ideal, center cutting line of the seal. During the cutting phase, highly concentrated electrosurgical energy travels from the cutting element through the tissue to cut the tissue into two distinct halves. As mentioned above, the number of pulses required to effectively cut the tissue and the intensity of the cutting energy may be determined by measuring the seal thickness and/or tissue impedance and/or based upon an initial calibrating energy pulse which measures similar parameters. A smart sensor (not shown) or feedback loop may be employed for this purpose.

The forceps may be configured to automatically cut the tissue once sealed or the instrument may be configured to permit the surgeon to selectively divide the tissue once sealed. Moreover, an audible or visual indicator (not shown) may be triggered by a sensor (not shown) to alert the surgeon when an effective seal has been created. The sensor may, for example, determine if a seal is complete by measuring one of tissue impedance, tissue opaqueness and/or tissue temperature. Commonly-owned U.S. application Ser. No. 10/427,832 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein describes several electrical systems which may be employed to provide positive feedback to the surgeon to determine tissue parameters during and after sealing and to determine the overall effectiveness of the tissue seal.

The electrosurgical intensity from each of the electrically conductive surfaces and cutting elements is selectively or automatically controllable to assure consistent and accurate cutting along the centerline of the tissue in view of the inherent variations in tissue type and/or tissue thickness. Moreover, the entire surgical process may be automatically controlled such that after the tissue is initially grasped the surgeon may simply activate the forceps to seal and subsequently cut tissue. In this instance, the generator may be configured to communicate with one or more sensors (not shown) to provide positive feedback to the generator during both the sealing and cutting processes to insure accurate and consistent sealing and division of tissue. As mentioned above, commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/427,832 discloses a variety of feedback mechanisms which may be employed for this purpose.

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, cutting element may be dimensioned as a cutting wire that is selectively activatable by the surgeon to divide the tissue after sealing. More particularly, a wire is mounted within the insulator between the jaw members and is selectively energizable upon activation of the switch.

The forceps may be designed such that it is fully or partially disposable depending upon a particular purpose or to achieve a particular result. For example, the electrode assembly may be selectively and releasably engageable with the distal end of the shaft and/or the proximal end of shaft may be selectively and releasably engageable with the housing and the handle assembly. In either of these two instances, the forceps would be considered “partially disposable” or “reposable”, i.e., a new or different electrode assembly (or electrode assembly and shaft) selectively replaces the old electrode assembly as needed.

The electrode assembly could be selectively detachable (i.e., reposable) from the shaft depending upon a particular purpose, e.g., specific forceps could be configured for different tissue types or thicknesses. Moreover, a reusable forceps could be sold as a kit having different electrodes assemblies for different tissue types. The surgeon simply selects the appropriate electrode assembly for a particular tissue type.

The forceps could also include a mechanical or electrical lockout mechanism that prevents the sealing surfaces and/or the cutting element from being unintentionally activated when the jaw members are disposed in the open configuration.

Although the subject forceps and electrode assemblies have been described with respect to preferred embodiments, it will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art to which it appertains that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject devices. For example, although the specification and drawing disclose that the electrically conductive surfaces may be employed to initially seal tissue prior to electrically cutting tissue in one of the many ways described herein, the electrically conductive surfaces may also be configured and electrically designed to perform any known bipolar or monopolar function, such as electrocautery, hemostasis, and/or desiccation utilizing one or both jaw members to treat the tissue. Moreover, the jaw members in their presently described and illustrated formation may be energized to simply cut tissue without initially sealing tissue, which may prove beneficial during particular surgical procedures. Moreover, the various geometries of the jaw members, cutting elements, insulators and semi-conductive materials and the various electrical configurations associated therewith may be utilized for other surgical instrumentation depending upon a particular purpose, e.g., cutting instruments, coagulation instruments, electrosurgical scissors, etc.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. 

1. An electrode assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and/or cutting tissue, the electrode assembly comprising: a pair of opposing first and second jaw members, each jaw member including at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surface extending along a length thereof, each tissue sealing surface being adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the tissue sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween; an insulator disposed adjacent to each of the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces; the first jaw member including an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within the insulator of the first jaw member, the electrically conductive cutting element disposed in general vertical registration to the insulator on the second jaw member defining at least one cutting zone between the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces and the cutting element; wherein the cutting element and the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces on the first jaw member are energized to a first potential during a sealing process and the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces on the first jaw member are energized to a different potential from the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces on the second jaw member such that electrosurgical energy can be transferred through the tissue to effect a tissue seal; and the cutting element being configured to maintain the same potential during a cutting process and the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces on the first jaw member and the corresponding at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces on the second jaw member being energized to a different potential than the cutting element such that electrosurgical energy can be transferred through the tissue to effectively cut tissue.
 2. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cutting and sealing processes are automatically controlled by an electrosurgical energy source.
 3. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein the potential of the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surface of the first jaw member and the potential of the cutting element are independently activatable by a surgeon.
 4. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor for determining seal quality prior to the cutting process.
 5. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cutting element is substantially dull and only capable of cutting tissue through electrosurgical activation.
 6. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a second electrically conductive cutting element operatively connected to the second jaw member, the second cutting element polarized to the same potential as the cutting element of the first jaw member.
 7. The electrode assembly according to claim 6, wherein the second cutting element is disposed within the insulator of the second jaw member.
 8. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein the potentials of the cutting element and the electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces are selectively alterable.
 9. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein each jaw member includes only one electrically conductive sealing surface.
 10. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein each jaw member includes only one electrically conductive sealing surface and only one of the jaw members includes the electrically conductive cutting element.
 11. An electrode assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and/or cutting tissue, the electrode assembly comprising: a pair of opposing first and second jaw members, each jaw member including at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surface extending along a length thereof, each tissue sealing surface being adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the tissue sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween; an insulator disposed adjacent to each of the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces; the first jaw member including an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within the insulator of the first jaw member, the electrically conductive cutting element disposed in general vertical registration to the insulator on the second jaw member defining at least one cutting zone between the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surface of the first jaw member and the cutting element; wherein the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surface includes at least one sealing section operatively connected to at least one flange, the at least one flange configured to control a gap distance between the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surface of the first jaw member and the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surface of the second jaw member; and a second insulator adjacent the at least one flange dimensioned to reduce stray currents and heat dissipation inwardly towards the at least one cutting zone.
 12. The electrode assembly according to claim 11, wherein the at least one flange is L-shaped.
 13. The electrode assembly according to claim 11, wherein the at least one sealing section is U-shaped.
 14. The electrode assembly according to claim 11, wherein the at least one flange and the cutting element define the cutting zone disposed inwardly of the at least one flange.
 15. The electrode assembly according to claim 11, wherein the cutting element and the electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces on the first jaw member are energized to a potential during a sealing process and the at least one electrically conductive sealing surfaces on the first jaw member are energized to a different potential from the corresponding at least one electrically conductive sealing surfaces on the second jaw member such that electrosurgical energy can be transferred through the tissue to effect a tissue seal.
 16. An electrode assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting vessels and/or tissue, the electrode assembly comprising: a pair of opposing first and second jaw members, each jaw member including at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surface extending along a length thereof, each tissue sealing surface being adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the tissue sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween; an insulator having a first portion which extends between at least one flange and an electrically conductive cutting element to a point in general horizontal registration with the at least one electrically conductive sealing surfaces; the first jaw member including an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within the insulator of the first jaw member, the electrically conductive cutting element disposed in general vertical registration to the insulator on the second jaw member defining at least one cutting zone between the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces and the cutting element; wherein the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surface includes at least one sealing section operatively connected to at least one flange, the at least one flange extending from an inner leg of the at least one sealing section, the at least one flange configured to control a gap distance between the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surface of the first jaw member and the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surface of the second jaw member; wherein the cutting element and the electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces on the first jaw member are energized to a potential during a sealing process and the at least one electrically conductive sealing surfaces on the first jaw member are energized to a different potential from the corresponding at least one electrically conductive sealing surfaces on the second jaw member such that electrosurgical energy can be transferred through the tissue to effect a tissue seal; and the cutting element being configured to maintain the same potential during a cutting stage and the at least one electrically conductive sealing surfaces on the first jaw member and the corresponding at least one electrically conductive sealing surfaces on the second jaw member being energized to a different potential than the cutting element such that electrosurgical energy can be transferred through the tissue to effect a tissue cut.
 17. The electrode assembly according to claim 16, wherein the at least one flange is L-shaped.
 18. The electrode assembly according to claim 16, wherein the at least one sealing section is U-shaped.
 19. The electrode assembly according to claim 16, further comprising an insulator dimensioned to reduce stray currents and heat dissipation inwardly towards the at least one cutting zone.
 20. The electrode assembly according to claim 16, further comprising a second portion of the insulator disposed between the cutting element and the at least one electrically conductive sealing surfaces, the insulator being recessed with respect to the at least one electrically conductive sealing surfaces.
 21. A method for sealing and cutting tissue comprising the steps of: providing a pair of opposing first and second jaw members, each jaw member including at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surface extending along a length thereof, each tissue sealing surface being adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the tissue sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween; providing an insulator disposed adjacent to each of the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces; energizing a cutting element and the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces on the first jaw member to a potential during a sealing process, the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces on the first jaw member being energized to a different potential from the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces on the second jaw member such that electrosurgical energy can be transferred through the tissue to effect a tissue seal; configuring the cutting element to maintain the same potential during a cutting process; and energizing the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces on the first jaw member and the corresponding at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces on the second jaw member to a different potential than the cutting element such that electrosurgical energy can be transferred through the tissue to effectively cut tissue.
 22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising the step of providing a second electrically conductive cutting element operatively connected to the second jaw member, the second cutting element being polarized to the same potential as the cutting element of the first jaw member.
 23. The method according to claim 21, wherein during the second iteration of the energizing step, the potential of the at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surface of the first jaw member and the potential of the cutting element are independently activatable by a surgeon. 